August 15, 2023
In June of this year the Government of Jersey hosted the 39th British-Irish Council (BIC) Summit at the L’Horizon Hotel. The theme was ‘Building for the Future: Green and Affordable’ and included a visit to the Limes housing development in St. Helier, which is being built using modern methods of construction. The UK Affairs Team, based in the Jersey London Office, led the preparations for the landmark event.
The Chief Minister, Deputy Kristina Moore, and Minister for External Relations, Deputy Philip Ozouf, were joined by leaders and ministers from the eight BIC member administrations: the UK and Irish Governments; the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; and the Governments of the Isle of Man and Guernsey.
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement in 1998, which was acknowledged by Deputy Moore in her opening statement. The British-Irish Council was one of the institutions created under that Agreement with the objective of promoting positive and practical relationships among the people of these islands and to provide a forum for consultation and co-operation.
The Chief Minister, Deputy Kristina Moore, said of the theme:
‘Tackling housing pressures, whilst considering energy sustainability and resilience, is a challenge facing all member administrations, so this was an opportunity for cross-learning and showcasing the Island’s move towards modern methods of construction in the building industry.
Continuing the green theme, I was delighted to see the presentation of hydrogen power technology by Island yachtsman, Phil Sharp. As a government, we are helping to support the move to clean tech in the maritime industry and Ministers heard how it is being applied to future maritime vessels to bring Jersey’s maritime strategy to net zero in the future.’
As part of the event representatives of the Jersey Youth Parliament gave a though-provoking speech to delegates which stimulated a good deal of discussion at the plenary involving Heads of Administration. You can find a full account of the Jersey Youth Parliament’s participation and outcomes here: News – Youth Parliament (jyp.je). You can also read the full summit communiqué here: 39th BIC Summit – Communiqué_0.pdf (britishirishcouncil.org)
